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Diosgenin [or (22R,25R)-spirost-5-en-3β-ol] is the starting material of the Marker degradation, a cheap semi-synthesis of progesterone, which has been designated as an International Historic Chemical Landmark. Thus far, a single X-ray structure for diosgenin is known, namely its dimethyl sulfoxide solvate [Zhang et al. (2005). Acta Cryst. E61, o2324–o2325]. We have now determined the structure of the hemihydrate, C27H42O3·0.5H2O. The asymmetric unit contains two diosgenin molecules, with quite similar conformations, and one water molecule. Hydroxy groups in steroids and water molecules form O—H
O hydrogen-bonded R54(10) ring motifs. Fused edge-sharing R(10) rings form a backbone oriented along [100], which aggregates the diosgenin molecules in the crystal structure.
O hydrogen-bonded R54(10) ring motifs. Fused edge-sharing R(10) rings form a backbone oriented along [100], which aggregates the diosgenin molecules in the crystal structure.organic compoundsOpen access
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Diosgenone [(20S,22R,25R)-spirost-4-en-3-one, C27H40O3] has been proposed as a new therapeutic alternative for the treatment of malaria. The first X-ray structure report for diosgenone was by Piro et al. [(2002). Z. Naturforsch. Teil C, 57, 947–950] in the space group P21 (Z′ = 2). We now report a new polymorph in the same space group, with two molecules in the asymmetric unit. Both molecules have similar conformations, characterized by a skewed envelope A ring, which contains the C=C bond conjugated with the ketone functionality at C3. The dimorphism results from a modification of the relative orientation of the molecules in the asymmetric unit: two independent molecules were arranged antiparallel in the Piro report, while they are parallel in the present determination.
